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Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B vs Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) sit on opposite sides of a familiar divide: an old-guard, wheat-forward classic versus an undiluted barrel-strength pour.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B | Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) |
|---|---|---|
| Type / Style | Wheated Bourbon | Traditional Bourbon, Barrel Proof |
| Mash Bill 1 | Not disclosed | Not disclosed |
| Age | 12 years | No age statement |
| Proof | 90.4 proof (45.2% ABV) | 110 proof (55% ABV) +20 proof |
| Approx. Price 2 | ~$170 – $900 | ~$80 – $100 ~$445 less |
| Availability | Allocated | Limited easier to find |
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B and Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) do not publish an official mash bill.
- US shelf prices as of 2026-10; they vary widely by market.
AG’s Rating and AG’s Notes
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Not rated yetNo notes yet.
Flavor Profile
Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)
Axis by axis, biggest gap first
heat 3/8 heat: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10
spice 3/7 spice: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10
oak 6/8 oak: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 6 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 8 out of 10
sweetness 8/7 sweetness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 8 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 7 out of 10
fruit 5/6 fruit: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 5 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 6 out of 10
nuttiness 3/4 nuttiness: Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B 3 out of 10, Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) 4 out of 10
Flavor Profile Differences
These two land very differently on the palate for heat.
- Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B: Twelve-year wheated bourbon from the Van Winkle line. Soft and balanced, with butterscotch, toffee and caramel and a gentle, spiced finish.
- Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series): Barrell blends sourced barrels from multiple states and bottles at cask strength, and the batches differ enormously. At their best they show a tropical fruit note that almost nothing else in bourbon delivers.
Which One Should You Choose?
- Go with Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B if you want a soft, balanced, 12-year wheater from the Van Winkle line.
- Go with Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series) if you want an adventurous, cask-strength blend and you accept that each batch is its own animal at a significantly lower price point.
Best enjoyed neat (Van Winkle Special Reserve 12 Year Lot B); neat (Barrell Bourbon (Batch Series)).